Psychology of a Hero: CAPTAIN AMERICA

Steve Rogers' Captain America is the moral compass of the MCU. He learns and grows, but never changes the things that make him the OG Cap. (We see you Sam Wilson)
Licensed therapist Jonathan Decker and filmmaker Alan Seawright talk about what it means to be a hero, to have integrity, to stay loyal to your principles and the people that matter to you. They look at Steve Rogers' journey from pure altruism to enlightened self interest (all while still staying true to himself and keeping his integrity), and how his journey is in some ways the opposite of Tony Stark's (see what we have to say about Iron Man here: • TONY STARK & PTSD: Psy... )
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Written by: Megan Seawright, Jonathan Decker and Alan Seawright
Produced by: Jonathan Decker, Megan Seawright & Alan Seawright
Edited by: Trevor Horton (Except for that flash-frame in the intro where you can see our set behind Cap for about 6 frames, that's on Alan guys, he screwed up Trevor's immaculate work!)
tzhediting.com
Director of Photography: Bradley Olsen
English Transcription by: Anna Preis

[@theworldasiseeit9496]

Nationalism says, "My country, right or wrong!" Patriotism says, " I love my country enough to expect us to do better."

[@nsbeast1468]

And i like how captain america tries to represent that he's the counter balance for the curruption in his country

[@SobaOfPulaski]

Patriotism = criticizing your leaders and country to help it while still loving it. Something Democrats and Republicans are both incapable of doing.

[@lianyu3854]

💯

[@devenscience8894]

"Tell me who's the real patriots, the Archie Bunker slobs waving flags? Or the people with the guts to work for some real change?" -Jello Biafra.

[@lynansheng]

People too often forget the line that follows that: "My country, right or wrong. If it be wrong, let it be set aright again."

[@stevemayne24]

The thing I realized while watching Falcon and Winter Soldier that really spoke to me about the character is that no one respects Steve because he's Captain America they respect Captain America because he's Steve.

[@susanbones3381]

That's even adressed in Cap's first solo movie. When he talks to Bucky at the bar he asks him something along the lines of "You ready to follow Captain America into battle?" And Bucky says "No. But I'm ready to follow the boy from Brooklyn."

[@roxanne_]

@@susanbones3381 that shit hits hard man 😩👌

[@karri17]

That's one of the things I love about him

[@kenkakuknight]

I’m curious how you mean. Are you supposing: 1) that people’s respect of Cap is due to Steve’s integrity as a person, or 2) that people’s respect of Cap is due to Steve’s whiteness?

[@fredericdamour5648]

@@kenkakuknight aaaawww come on don't do that lol

[@TJSaw]

“I don’t wanna kill anyone. I don’t like bullies. I don’t care where they’re from.” These three lines are the reason Cap is loved and respected AROUND THE WORLD by everyone irrespective of their nationalities. Steve Rogers is the man we all want to emulate.

[@glennhouston5686]

Steve Roger's and Bruce Wayne are two comic entities that I find that their values make the most of who they are, being respected by beings much more powerful than themselves. 👍🏿🍻

[@viewfromthehighchair9391]

If you want to show me that you are a "real man", show me how you lift people up and not how you can beat them down.

[@marxel4444]

I developed a similar mindset. There assholes and there are non assholes. Includes every gender, ethnicity and disability.

[@Rixoli]

I think the scene that truly told me everything I needed to know about Steve Rogers in the film (Mind i knew a good deal from comic fans among my friends) was the scene of him throwing himself on a grenade. Dud or not, and even though he didn't have his powers yet. These were people that hated him, mocked him and thought he had no business being in their number but he was still willing to give his life for them.

[@DiveWatcher]

Incredibly well said! To just be a good man and which at the end of the day Cap is just a human also. Another huge reason people are able to relate to his character. In today's society it is not at all difficult to actually be a good man with pure intent but rather by holding true to that, the world today will literally eat you alive and you end up being let down and finishing last. Cap is the man!

[@crazyhorsecavdoc4916]

He’s ALWAYS introduced himself as Steve Rogers. It’s another subtle difference between him and John Walker who only introduces himself as Captain America.

[@Leto617]

No, when rescuing the soldiers from Hydra he introduces himself only as Captain America, to which the Frenchmen replies "I beg your pardon" almost always uses Steve after that tho

[@Payne1971]

That's surely because John Walker was selected to play/be that role. Like Tom Cruise introducing himself as Ethan Hunt when playing that role.

[@Whiteythereaper]

@Leto617 I take that as him embracing the role he's been in on the USO shows, hoping maybe that some of the captured soldiers know of the character either through the comics, the serials or the propaganda. When they obviously are oblivious and once he shakes that initial superiority mindset that comes from his newfound confidence in his increased strength and truly sees himself as an equal to the other soldiers, he allows for a personal connection and takes pride in just being Steve Rogers, outside of holding the rank of Captain and being a famous face back home in the war effort.

[@concept5631]

John Walker was the best part of TFAWS

[@madelinegarber7860]

Very true.

[@captivatingheir]

“I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.” Faramir - LOTR

[@LusiaEyre]

I was going to comment the same thing. If Cap had a motto, this would be it.

[@captivatingheir]

@@LusiaEyre it’s my favorite quote from my favorite character.

[@Laurelin70]

You took the words from my mouth.

[@bj.bruner]

Faramir*

[@me20ntime_ff]

best comment right here. two of the best series

[@emorag]

I appreciate the Two Rogers Rule: if neither Fred Rogers nor Steve Rogers would do something, it's probably not a good thing to do.

[@corgiw7281]

This should be on billboards.

[@facescomix]

As a Rogers, I approve of this message.

[@rkstevenson5448]

@@facescomix I'm Captain Rogers, and this is my favorite motto on the Citadel.

[@EB1493]

Brilliant examples! Billboard worthy indeed!

[@pentiagocity2140]

@@facescomix Lmaoo

[@ciaranobrien8709]

The tech guy refusing to launch the carriers is where most of us might find our inner hero, I loved that scene. He was afraid, out manned with no way out, but still refused to follow blindly, great scene.

[@justalpha9138]

He became a hero right then and there

[@ciaranobrien8709]

@JustAlpha not a super hero but a regular one, great scene

[@sophiaboyd-uo2vz]

I also absolutely adore the way he brushes their orders off with "captain's orders". He told them straight up that the reason he wouldn't launch the carriers was because they were not the highest authority in the building. Captain America was. No mattter how many people they planted in high up positions, they would never actually be in control of anything.

[@CyarSkirata]

I think more even than his courage to stand up for what was right in the face of extremely likely death, the thing I love most about it is that Nick Fury, or his associates, took note. This guy is so trusted after this that he's on the bridge crew of the refurbished helicarrier in Age of Ultron, and if you take Agents of Shield to be canon to the movie timeline - which I do up until the point at which the movies stopped sharing notes with the shows, or more practically I figure it diverges around the end of season 4 - then ya know from season 2 just how little of *Shield* knew about that project. That guy's integrity really took him places.

[@danielm.2377]

Most people just do what they're told. Especially when they are experiencing coercive power against them. It takes real courage and integrity to stand against it. That tech, though brief, became a hero in the truest sense of the word. Following what he knew what was right and placed that above his own life. Also, amazing acting from a background character!

[@brittanybarthel1410]

In a way Cap embodies Odin’s saying about war, “A King must not look for war but always be ready for it.” Basically with Cap he always looks for ways to avoid fighting and only fights as a last resort.

[@thejaded]

A true patriot. ❤

[@notchhero11]

Which is part of the reason the hammer deems him worthy. Just food for thought.

[@brittanybarthel1410]

@@notchhero11 that’s definitely true as well.

[@vordt4139]

Which is the reason why he is Worthy of wielding Mjolnir

[@brittanybarthel1410]

@@vordt4139 exactly

[@SidRo1113]

I appreciate you guys acknowledge that Captain America isn't a character saying 'See, this is America, we're the best' but represents what people should aspire to be and aspire to do what's right (at least the MCU version does). I see too many people put a nationalistic view on Captain America when that doesn't really suit him

[@itilosi9929]

That applies to steve rogers completely (and sam wilson) but not so much to the new cap from falcon and winter soldier

[@tehdipstick]

Cap has said himself in the comic books that he's not loyal to the American flag or the US government. He's loyal to his own morals, integrity and principles. He admits that his view on what America/the world should be like is idealistic at best, but that doesn't stop him from going out there to try changing hearts and minds by just being a good person.

[@BlargeMan]

He represents America's founding ideals, personified. Truth, justice, individual liberty, valuing what's right over what's easy. And our founding fathers never claimed that these were exclusive to America. They simply sought out to create a place where these values would be allowed to grow and thrive. They said that these are universal values that all of humanity can and should aspire to. That's why Captain America has such universal appeal.

[@edkwon]

Yep, Steve Rogers represents what America should aspire TO BE

[@edkwon]

@@itilosi9929 which was one of the major points of that show, John Walker represents the opposites of the ideals that Rogers stands for

[@roryfire4163]

The biggest difference between Cap and Tony, is the Tony is a boss but Cap is a leader

[@taytay1030]

🙌

[@ValGOPLock]

That's actually a very good way of putting it

[@deviles]

I disagree. Tony is never really a "Boss". He does not delegate, and he does not see himself as in charge of the other avengers. He is much more of a loner, who just does what needs to be done, and often he sees himself as the only one who is intelligent enough to do it. And if other happen to be there and willing to help, he uses them and their skills as recource because he is a smart tactition. But he doesnt demand respect or obedience from anyone. If someone has examples that contradict this statement, id like to hear.

[@firstnamelastname6016]

@@deviles I interpreted it as Tony is a Boss, like the “slang” term. Like a boss. So more of just a cool and intelligent dude and less like a manager of a mid-large range law firm.

[@lotsofuwuenergy3983]

@@deviles I'd say the scene in Infinity War just prior to their fight with Thanos on his home planet is an example of Tony attempting to take charge and delegate roles to each of the characters present (and taking a more disciplinary role upon yelling, "Are you _yawning?_ In the middle of this, while I'm breaking it down?") Until Quill takes charge instead, ofc. I think the OP is generally referring to the "vibe" of someone who naturally attracts people to following them vs one that has to explicitly tell others to follow their lead, because Steve doesn't really have any scene like this after the first Avengers movie; it seems as though people just _are_ on his wavelength naturally.

[@Dubnoreix]

I just noticed that Cap says: “They shot Nick Fury.” He doesn’t say: “They killed Nick Fury.” Because he knows Fury isn’t dead and has already said to Natasha earlier in the movie that he’s always honest. It are small things like that that makes these movies excellent.

[@alexisvandom8037]

He deviated from that with the Hydra ruse in Endgame tbf

[@xfireflarex]

@@alexisvandom8037 Not really! He was just telling them that he knew their secret and hoped they would infer that he's on their side. "Hail Hydra" is a little different from "I'm Hydra" after all

[@alexisvandom8037]

@@xfireflarex Except "Hail Hydra" is an affirmation that he's Hydra. He was right to lie, but he still did it.

[@xfireflarex]

@@alexisvandom8037 Nope it's not a lie. He allowed them to misunderstand by revealing a secret. Cap is canonically a horrible liar. If I bought someone a gift and other people assumed I was in love with that person, that's on them. I did nothing to affirm that action.

[@michaelgillespie9112]

​@@alexisvandom8037I've brought it up in real life, but I'll say it here. There is a difference between lying and deceiving. All lying is deceiving, but not all deceiving is lying. You can say the truth in such a way to deceive others.

[@icywinterof88]

When cap picked up the hammer, I nearly hugged a stranger next to me in the theater. And I believe he was ready to do the same. That moment made me feel sooo soo much.

[@vordt4139]

I would have hugged you back.

[@Houkuko]

It's always felt so appropriate to me that Cap's item is a shield. Not a gun or sword, not a weapon. A shield. An item specifically designed and used to protect and keep safe from harm. THAT'S what he's supposed to be, that's what it means to be a Good Man. Be there when people need help, take care of them, keep them safe, give them hope. Edit: I'm not saying that he never used/uses a gun in any of the current or classic media he's appeared in or that a shield can't be used as a weapon. I AM saying that I like the symbolism in how his signature item is a shield. You can all stop with the needless pedantic corrections now.

[@LP-mi6cr]

Isn't it hilarious that this symbol, when given to the wrong people, is immediately turned into a deadly weapon?

[@LP-mi6cr]

@@mysticwizard2696 I know, but it's not nearly as deadly as a blade or gun, nor as "threatening". Indeed, every object can be turned into a weapon (yes I see you, fidget spinner 👀)

[@emeraldjolteon1472]

thats the point. cap is about protecting and standing up for the little ones not using force to do so.he is not like batman or daredevil who protect people with violence, hes about shielding and being a wall/rock to people to hold on to.hence why a weapon meant to protect,not to harm

[@3Rayfire]

The thing about the Shield as a weapon is, especially as Steve used it, it's turning a defensive implement into a weapon using ingenuity. It's not a brute force kind of weapon. Everyone who has used that Shield had to train with it, to utilize it as he did.

[@ethanhoerr2924]

Well said.

[@Charolette21]

One moment I’ll always appreciate is in Endgame, wherein The shield is cut in half, Thanos’s forces are arriving in force, and Rogers is standing alone. When he tightened the strap on his shield, even though he never said it, he was basically saying “I could do this all day”.

[@edkwon]

Therein lies the true strength of Steve Rogers character, because compared to Thanos & his forces, Steve might as well be his pre-Cap scrawny self

[@Techydad]

That scene where he's standing by himself against Thanos' entire army was beautiful. I'd love to have a big version of that framed as a painting on my wall. I agree with the "I can do this all day," but I think there was more. He saw that it was hopeless. There was no way he was winning that fight. A lesser man would have run, but not Cap. He knew this would result in his death, but he was going to still give everything he had (and, somehow, a little bit more) to stop as many of Thanos' forces as he could. Of course, then we got "on your left" and the relief that he wasn't in it alone.

[@JM-vj2sx]

@@Techydad so well said!

[@Grizabeebles]

Weird quirk of human psychology - we pick hills to die on. Holding true to your ideals in the face of certain death is actually easier than holding true to your ideals knowing that you're going to have to live with the consequences. I firmly believe that Steve living in hiding for years as a criminal was harder than facing down Thanos's army.

[@hikaruchan16]

This is it. This is the moment right here. This description is spot on. My absolute favorite Cap moment right here. 🤘🏽 What a powerful image! Gives me chills every time!

[@noahjester8471]

I love the "Hulk smash" line because Hulk is totally on board with Cap. That smile screams, 'my time has come!'

[@yourpalbryan1442]

I see it as both that and "f*cking FINALLY"

[@thejaded]

Bro was like "Ay you know me bro" 😂

[@erikbjelke4411]

Well, and really plays to Steve's strength as a leader, knowing the strengths of his team. Hulk HATES being controlled or feared or hated, so Cap just gives him carte blanche to go nuts on the bad guys. I feel it's really telling that when Steve says "Hulk?" Hulk looks at Steve aggravated and annoyed, like "You DARE order me, puny human!?" But then Steve says "Smash," and Hulk grins, like "Okay, yeah, THAT I can do!"

[@TheeOnlyDjinn]

Afte that they killed Hulk, hurt my soul.

[@CosmicAnchor]

Also its a brilliant example of a leader speaking the language of their follower. Steve is empathetic enough to know anything more than "Smash" might go over the Hulks head. This line communicates "We are on the same team, and I know you and I hear you".

[@MikeScott55]

I met Stanley Tucci, Dominic Cooper, and Haley Atwell for a photo op at a comic con a few years ago. I was in love with Atwell (GORGEOUS in real life and on the screen) and a bit intimidated by Cooper to the point that I almost missed Stanley. When I was walking to take the photo, he was the only one who held out his hand, shook mine, looked me in the eyes and said “thank you for being here today. I really appreciate it.” The most genuine smile and handshake was given to me and I will never forget that level of kindness. Stanley Tucci is the real deal.

[@cheesus7672]

It fits that Captain America doesn't feel like he fits in the modern world and america

[@FaithfulHorrorhound]

I feel the same.

[@mariposavioleta9007]

And that's a good thing

[@sassylittleprophet]

I mean, same.

[@Cyssane]

@Reyson Fox We all have to be a Captain America though. It doesn't work any other way.

[@mariposavioleta9007]

@Reyson Fox 100% agree

[@kerimcgoldrick2273]

Captain America reminds me of this saying I’ve heard, so sorry I can’t remember the source, but the saying goes, “I don’t fight because I hate what’s in front of me, I fight because I love what’s behind me.”

[@Eris_Norregard]

That's just beautiful.

[@DiegoMartinezCoria]

My only regret is that I only have 1 like to give.

[@Laurelin70]

“I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.” Faramir in "The lord of the rings"

[@johnnieriot13]

G.K. Chesterson I believe said this. It’s a great quote.

[@ShadowSonic2]

It's weird that so many hated it when Last Jedi used that quote.

[@michaeljwalters01]

This channel is a hidden gem. You guys are, I believe, helping so many people. For me, this is a modern take on the daily show with mental health issues. Thank you!

[@CinemaTherapyShow]

You’re so kind. Thanks for watching!

[@nocursewm2938]

I think Thor’s “I knew it!” expressed what a lot of us thought. It’s just not Cap to go, “Yeah, I’m awesome.” So he kept it to himself.

[@therussianprincess7036]

The Teletubies were the biggest jumpscare of the episode, ngl.

[@carlygrass4480]

it startled me more that they said yippie ki a motherf*cker honestly

[@handsomesquidward5160]

The teletubies were Hydra agents

[@Juggtacula]

Introducing himself to Groot as "Steve Rogers" wasn't because he no longer considered himself Captain America, he has NEVER introduced himself as or called himself "Captain America" in any movie. Other people call him that, and it's his superhero code name, but he has only ever called himself Steve in conversations. That's what sets him so far apart from Walker who threw around the title willy nily to anyone who would listen. He doesn't need to announce who he is to be who he is, Steve Rogers and Captain America are one in the same as they embody the same ideals in the same body.

[@philip8498]

i think he introduces himself as "i am captain america" in his first movie once.

[@benwillems8584]

@@philip8498 I think that was with the POW's, who would have heard of this dude called Captain America, not cpt Steve Rogers. It juxtaposed nicely with the dude who takes the mantle who introduces himself as C A everywhere, and keeps mentioning it, showing it's an ego thing.

[@hannahchitty-finch7738]

I don't think he sees himself as Captain America at all, it's a symbol for him, that he donned. Hence why he passed it on to Falcon. If he was Captain America it couldn't be passed on same as Iron Man

[@jasonmgrady]

He says it jokingly in the first one as he's breaking the future Howling Commandos out of Hydra's cells. "Who are you supposed to be?" "I'm... Captain America."

[@GiovanniV69]

"Any man who must say, I am the king, is no true king." -Tywin Lannister

[@user-ne4pm8cg3t]

Something I realized throughout every film Cap is featured in is that anytime there’s foundational doubt or uncertainty (2/3s of winter soldier and civil war especially), the colors of his uniform are muted and darkened, but when the hope and the good start to prevail, his colors become more vibrant again. (Last third of winter soldier)

[@adismhadismh]

Do I think Cap deserves that ending? Yes. Do I think he would be, ultimately, happy with it? No. You can’t convince me that he’d sit down and live a life SPECIFICALLY because he knows that shield is hydra. He knows that Bucky is out there, being tortured and brainwashed. And to him, I think Bucky means more to him than he means to himself.

[@williamcoons8060]

But also, I feel like he would be at race because he know’s it will work out eventually.

[@racheljohnson9480]

@@williamcoons8060 Yeah, but he spent his life letting his wife think her life's work wasn't heavily infiltrated by nazi terrorists.

[@rottensquid]

@@williamcoons8060 Yes and no. One could say that the whole point of his arc is to let go of his need to be the savior. But there's a whole untold story around him having to stand by and let the timeline play out the way it does. After all, as is demonstrated by the Ancient One, changing this timeline basically means abandoning it for a parallel one. What happens has happened, either in the timeline you're in, or in the one you leave behind. So one way or the other, Steve would have to learn to let the timeline play out, because if he changes anything, all he's doing is shifting to a different timeline. But you know that'd be hard for him, maybe harder than anything he's ever done before. I kinda wish we could see that story, linking the place we left Peggy Carter in her excellent show and the place we find Cap at the end of Endgame. And somewhere in there, he'd have to face down his need to save everyone, and sacrifice everything to do it.

[@maxiguidetti7228]

Keep in mind that he went back to the 50s, he has a LOT of foreknowledge and with some help from Peggy, Howard and a few others wiuld be very capable of neutralizing Zola's Hydra and rescuing Bucky well before it becomes as much of a problem as it was in the present. Also, by this point I assume that the moment Steve went back to Peggy that formed a different timeline (whether or not that conflicts with the Sacred Timeline is kinda a moot point after Loki's finale, What If and Multiverse of Madness).

[@rottensquid]

@@maxiguidetti7228 Right, all that is true. But the problem is, if he does change the timeline, he's no longer in the timeline where Sam is waiting for him to pass on the shield. So it defeats the purpose. In a larger sense, I think the only thing that could make Steve give up being a hero and live a normal life is the notion that the greater good requires it, that if he doesn't, he will break the timeline and diverge into one in which he doesn't belong. And the endgame for Steve is all about accepting the need to hang up his shield and have a normal life. For him, self-sacrifice had become a habit, and in fact, was his way of avoiding the thing that he feared most, the notion of being selfish. He needed to accept that having a life wasn't selfish, that wanting something for himself after all he'd done was nothing to be ashamed of. And that arc nicely contrasted Tony's story of embracing self-sacrifice after a life of selfishness and self-aggrandizement.

[@GergC0521]

"Captain America stands for everything America SHOULD stand for." Amen to that...

[@redpanda4613]

honestly i like that even more because he openly says its what america SHOULD stand for, meaning this is what we should be doing, and even announces that america ISNT doing this. its basically calling america out on its bullshit without being too directly political and digressing the topic from what its supposed to be about. it throws out a hint even an idiot could understand without digressing into a topic that they werent really here to address.

[@zhooka]

America needs a therapy. Actually every country needs a therapy these days.

[@bobjohnson1633]

Steve stands for the constitution.

[@whatisahandle221]

@@zhooka - That said, I think almost everybody-myself included- could use healthier training in handling emotions, communicating more respectfully*, arguing more respectfully & more productively, … and being more wary of what they read and say on the internet.😆🙄

[@whatisahandle221]

*The one exception I might suggest would be that I think that manners-or at least, the current ideal for the highest manners-has declined. I know I don’t practice half the manners, etiquette, and general hospitality & neighborliness of my parents. But, whether I fully practice it or not, the real tragedy is that I haven’t even given the example of very good manners to my kids: I struggle with how to improve their common manners when the modern world & myself are so “casual,” “open” with every attitude, and blunt-but not necessarily conscientious-with communications. (Checkout the thesis of “Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960-2010 is a 2012 book about class stratification of white Americans by Charles Murray, a political scientist and W.H. Brady Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute” … “Additionally, Murray writes of several differences he sees forming between and causing two emerging classes-the New Upper Class and the New Lower class-among which are differences in or lack thereof in regard to religiosity, work ethic, industriousness, family, etc. Murray goes on to provide evidence that religiosity, work ethic, industriousness, family, etc., have either remained strong or have weakened minimally in the New Upper Class, whereas these same attributes have either weakened substantially or have become almost nonexistent in the New Lower Class.” - en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_Apart_(book)

[@jameslightfoot1872]

Cap dropping the shield, I think that Steve still values his friendship with Tony, and if Tony is willing to hold a grudge over the shield, Cap gives it up without a second thought. He bears Tony no hatred, but Tony isn't ready to let it go. That is cap saying that nothing stands between us but you. When you're ready, I'm still your friend.

[@brooklynnenoe8371]

I love this

[@rowanwax]

Steve also writes him a letter Tony reads later saying the exact thing in case ppl didn’t catch the symbolism of the shield being left.

[@Langley_Ackerman19]

Awwwww man tears!!!!!

[@KS-xk2so]

I think part of it too is that Steve respects his friend Howard Stark. In his mind, it's not his shield, its the one his friend Howard gave him. If his son says he shouldn't have it anymore, then he doesn't want to keep it.

[@mangaanimefan3089]

@@KS-xk2so That's what I was getting from him leaving it behind.

[@meganmacdonnell8829]

I was sad when I realized Caps story was over, but I loved that he got to LIVE.

[@macggnore]

The thing I absolutely loved about Endgame is that Iron Man and Cap received each other's endings. Everyone expected Cap to make the huge sacrifice and that Iron Man would retire to start a life with Pepper. They both inspired each other to be better.

[@MrManlify]

I saw a line I liked which was, "John Walker was a good soldier, Steve Rogers was a good man."

[@l.tc.5032]

I don't think John was even a bad person but to quote Zemo, there will never be another Steve Rogers.

[@thatonedog819]

@@l.tc.5032 Yeah, I think the majority of the reason why I didn't like him was because he wasn't Steve

[@mr.stuffdoer8483]

And TBF, a good soldier should be, in part, a good person.

[@thatonedog819]

@@mr.stuffdoer8483 should be, yes.

[@3Rayfire]

John Walker's issue isn't that he isn't a good man because he is, but rather he's a perfect soldier first. He scored off the charts on every test the Army gave him. Even before the serum, he led with his power first, not his empathy, or ethics. Col. Chester Phillips: Then throw me a bone. Hodge passed every test we gave him. He’s big, he’s fast, he obeys orders. He’s a soldier. Dr. Abraham Erskine: He’s a bully. None of the people who selected Walker to be Captain America ever met Steve Rogers, let alone served alongside him or actually knew him. He became a fugitive just four years after he got out of the ice, and none of those people ever really understood why he was Captain America. Dr. Abraham Erskine: The serum amplifies everything that is inside. So, good becomes great. Bad becomes worse. This is why you were chosen. Because a strong man, who has known power all his life, will lose respect for that power. But a weak man knows the value of strength, and knows compassion.

[@TheNerdDynasty]

I hate it when people call cap boring, he's always been my favorite of the mcu. And that absolutely goes to both caps

[@MasterCrumble]

He for sure evolved over the movies. I can understand people calling him boring before he went against the grain (like in civil war, or in winter soldier). Still, I love the man, and the actor plays him so perfectly.

[@separate_entity001]

@Luke Garvey I actually do really enjoy U.S Agent as a character.

[@dozer11]

Agreed. I would actually say that Cyclops is painfully boring in comics, movies, and cartoons. Both Caps have a lot of depth.

[@smileytlj23]

@@dozer11 comic cyclops is leagues better than what he is portrayed as on film. And the most radically different from his initial appearance to what he is now, more so than other comic book character

[@edkwon]

@@separate_entity001 great character, terrible Capt America

[@ladylucario7958]

I would love to see them do a series on the Avatar the Last Airbender series. Studying the character progression of each character, starting with the man of tea himself, Iroh.

[@oiPuReNaDeZzo]

Absolutely yesssssssss

[@barbara_LL]

omg tell me about it!!! I can see Alan sobbing with zuko's and iroh's reunion, that would be so great

[@GabbySinclair-iz4wv]

Some other youtubers make videos about them. This one is really good kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZqcamWgjNiMitEsi=XPjOlsFE4LuNawSO

[@giyuutomioka6974]

I wish more people around the world were more like captain America. The world would be happier and safer. He's my favorite hero, I admire him.

[@mccabber24]

"Steve is no longer Captain America. He's fighting for the World now" so... you could say, he's Captain Planet?

[@melistiltskin7889]

Earth! Fire! Wind! Water! Heart! ... Captain Planet already exists.

[@KristySki]

He's a herooooo

[@GreenGoddessLita]

No, Rhodey is Captain Planet ;)

[@katterrific8286]

😂

[@katierasburn9571]

Captain Earth?

[@moonyollie6977]

I appreciate that you talk about Cap as an aspiration of a humanist ideal and not, as he's sometimes been (wrongly) written, an american nationalistic ideal. I think people forget way too much that Steve Rogers was created by two Jewish men, who were being sent death threats at the time, because they saw what was happening in Europe and denounced that.

[@raindownonme21]

I second this, my journey into getting into marvel and MCU generally was very rocky and started with First Avenger. When I first saw it in theaters (having no clue what was going on, I even fell asleep at one point and bc of it for the longest time was afraid to give the other Captain America movies a shot [I did during the pandemic finally, they're high on the list now]) then a second time a few weeks ago when doing a proper chronological order marathon all I could see was the American nationalistic angle, and being a Canadian whose tired of the BS coming out from down there in recent years found it grating. this video actually gave me a new understanding and appreciation for Cap as a human character instead of an American caricature. that "I am Steve Rogers" line now hits harder, before it was just funny but now it has so much depth, thank you cinema therapy for giving me the Cap therapy I clearly needed

[@atiqahdiyana5665]

I will never get over when 3 nazis went over to the building Kirby worked at and made threats, saying they’ll show what nazis would do to captain America So _Jack fucking Kirby_ proceeds to roll up his sleeves and make his way down like a boss. But they were gone by the time he got to the lobby

[@Anonymous-zd1ow]

@@atiqahdiyana5665 bro WHAT

[@Betito1171]

@@atiqahdiyana5665 gimme a source for that please

[@atiqahdiyana5665]

@@Betito1171 it’s from his biography “Kirby: King of Comics” by Mark Evanier

[@brittanybarthel1410]

He does a great speech on Endgame as well. He always gives great speeches.

[@howlinmad4208]

A friend and I were talking about which superhero we most resembled. He told me I resembled Captain America to him, I was very happy with this. I hope I never let him down.

[@MylesKillis]

My pastor once said to us freedom is not the ability to do what you want but the responsibility to do what is right. Cap perfectly embodies this. He’s a free man if there ever was one.

[@elisabetfranklin1246]

That’s beautiful

[@lauragroenveld1668]

We need to tell this to the Karens

[@melvinbagby4221]

As the Red Skull said to Steve waaaay back in the 60s Tales of Suspense: "You may be the only free man on Earth."

[@Joy4everM0RE]

Well said!

[@Django45]

lovely sentiment

[@terry-o-brian4333]

Honestly, i feel like Steve’s friendship with Bucky deserves an entire video of it’s own.

[@inalusa9011]

A series even.

[@dragonheart6179]

Yesss!!!❤️

[@neepers22]

Oh please, yes. They have a story arc that in any other context would be romantic as hell. It really made me wonder what the hell they were thinking when Steve chose to go back to Peggy in Endgame.

[@miarue5322]

@@neepers22 I personally think that that's what's great about their relationship, that it's deep, complex, and it's a friendship. And I'm glad they made it that way in the end. Because nowadays there is this forced idea that having a deep and complex relationship with someone must, unfailingly, result in a romantic relationship, and that is not how it should always be. Since pure, deep and complex friendships exist, even if those are less popular than romantic relationships

[@Fifi-jb3yx]

@@miarue5322 yes, and i find it sad that people seek to do this with every close bond between men in popular fiction. aren’tvwe trying to encourage men to be openly loving? and yet we are instantly labelling that as gay?

[@krystalissoojung5114]

14:10 and also the entire Winter Soldier's movie like a callback toward the 1st movie, where doctor Erskine and Steve met the first where he asked "is it a test?", he says he don't want to kill, he doesn't like bullies.. he it's amazing how he stays true to it... when he realized that the government/SHIELD which he worked for (I kinda believe that part of the reason capt worked there because Peggy was one of thr founder) is the BULLIES, he quickly turn his back and fight for the innocents

[@passiveaggressive6175]

We need more channels like this, there is so much toxicity on social media.🙏🏾

[@emilyniedbala]

James Buchanan Barnes needs his time in the Psychology of a Hero chair next, please!

[@nonelikekyu]

Yes!!!!

[@sherenespeaks4731]

Bucky! Bucky! 🤩😍

[@yoknom]

Yes! And Loki after that pretty please :3 edit: I've seen the villain one they did, but I want a hero one as well after the end of the Loki series ;)

[@ajexists1214]

Bucky!!!!

[@MrMshufflepuff]

Yes, and eventually Sam Wilson. 😊 Though for Sam they'll have to bring someone in for the race related stuff if they dive into Falcon and the Winter Soldier for that.😊

[@freixas18]

As a non American I never saw Cap' as a patriot. He stands for moral values and what he believes, but never fights for the country itself. And in the late movies he saves the whole world, not just for his country, but to follow his heart. He's never done a speech for America, and that's why I love him.

[@daulahiftitah6461]

Same. This is also the reason why I respect Sam more than John walker

[@karri17]

@@daulahiftitah6461 I respect anyone more than John Walker

[@daulahiftitah6461]

@@karri17 even Karli?

[@jacobhargiss3839]

he is, in the truest sense, a patriot. he wants his country to be the best version of itself. Not obeying the government or fighting for more than just your own country doesn't make someone not patriotic. The revolutionaries of 1700's fought their ruling government, they were still patriots. WWII was basically a war to liberate Europe, but we still call the veterans of that war patriots.

[@iche9373]

@@karri17 John Walker is USAgent, he is a patriot dedicated to protect America. And after all, he is human.

[@MrShowwoff]

I like the lines in the gym punching bag scene where Cap says, "I'm too old fashioned." and Fury responds, "I think we need some old fashion ways." (something like that)

[@magnusprime962]

That’s actually later when he’s in the plane with Coulson. Coulson mentions he modified Cap’s uniform, and Cap asks if the Stars and Stripes are too old-fashioned. Coulson answers that these days people just might need old-fashioned. Fury does use the phrase old-fashioned later though. He tells Cap and Tony that Coulson died believing in heroes. Tony walks away and then Fury says “Well, it’s an old-fashioned notion”.

[@Harvey_Mod]

“Compromise where you can. Where you can't, don't. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say, 'No, you move." This is actually a Cap quote from the Civil War comics so hearing you saying it is Cap's mission statement felt like a full circle moment and put a smile to my face

[@LoganNagol]

dang that might be the best quote to represent what Cap stands for in the mcu. That was basically what separated Cap and Tony in civil war, Tony was willing to compromise on things he didn't believe in, Cap was not.

[@lordshadow19]

That scene where the analyst refuses to launch the carriers is one of the best scenes in the entire MCU. This guy, he's not a particularly tough guy from what we've seen, especially compared to Grillo who's proven to be one of the toughest people in SHIELD, yet even though he knows he will almost certainly die from his refusal to do what Grillo is telling him, that mere speech from Captain America gave him the resolve to stand up for what was right. That scene really sells you on just how much of an influence Captain America has on the people around him, he's such a symbol of morality and so selfless that people are willing to literally die for him because they believe in him that much. Winter Soldier is easily the best of the MCU films.

[@rsterbin]

Honestly one of my favorite scenes of all time. I remember reading somewhere that about half of military coup attempts fail, and when they do, it's almost always because the ordinary civil service people in those unglamorous roles refuse to work. There's a great story of a coup attempt ending with the wannabe dictator wandering through the halls, unable to find a secretary to type up his proclamations.

[@manuelschneider1105]

What gets me, Cameron Klein (the analyst), has no idea how many people in this room will be on his side. It could be everyone, it could be no one. I still think, given his lack of strength or training, that he may have been the bravest character in the entire MCU. There was a declared bad guy behind him, everyone in the room knew he was a bad guy, yet no one acted. Klein had every reason to believe he would get killed if he didn't do as he was asked to. And it wasn't even for a great sacrifice. Releasing those carriers could have been done by someone else in his place. His refusal to do so, in a room full of Hydra bad guys, would change absolutely nothing except for one dead guy on the ground. And despite all that, Cameron Klein sided with Cap. Not because it was heroic. Not because the sacrifice would have made a difference. But because it was the right thing to do.

[@julesmasseffectmusic]

@@manuelschneider1105 If the organisation is one with an alleged moral standing you will find that the guys in Admin are very bloody dedicated to the cause. Know why? if your good at admin and work for govt or charity you can get way more money in the private sector.

[@dawnmcauley6411]

That's really what Cap's power is, inspiring others to their best.

[@TimesFM4532]

Courage is infectious

[@grahamrichardson9620]

(watches a Cinema Therapy video) "I can do this all day."

[@j_usteen]

Yes.

[@DisturbedFlyer7]

I love that he lightens up quite a lot. He went from calling other people out on cursing to saying "you gotta be shitting me" on having to fight himself. Being willing to say "that is America's ass", and not taking himself so seriously when his past self says he "can do this all day" and just like, yeah, yeah, I know. He's notices his own self-righteousness and is just like... ugh, let's take that down a few notches to a healthier place. Cap is a perfect representation of what we should be but probably never will be.

[@StabbyTaco2486]

I've always related to Captain America. He became my favorite super hero growing, and when First Avenger came out, it just...I related so much to his ideologies and went through similar life struggles (not to his extend but ya know.) He will forever be my model for what it means to be a good person with integrity and loyalty.

[@pleasehelp2446]

My take on the hammer scene in Ultron has always been that the second Steve realized he could lift the hammer he stopped because of his humility. He realized he could but that he shouldn't, because 1 it would hurt his friend Thor if he thought he wasn't needed 2 it would demoralize the rest of the group that had gone before him because he was the last one to try and 3 he wouldn't gain anything by showing off so once he realized that he could move it he stopped.

[@tabby25hope]

I think the same.

[@ClokworkGremlin]

I much prefer the idea that we all had when watching Ultron. That Cap could *budge* the hammer, but he couldn't move it, because he had some stuff he needed to work through. He wasn't worthy. Yet.

[@endosym5023]

That's the in universe explanation. The Russo brothers explained this in their wired interview about Endgame

[@TAOBIAF]

@@ClokworkGremlin I never understood that line of thinking. You're either worthy or you're not. if he had shit to go through then he wasn't worthy, just like Thor wasn't worthy before the end of Thor 1. There's no such thing as almost worthy.

[@stewartsmalls2024]

@@TAOBIAF But it is like Bastian in Never Ending Story and Willow in Willow. Accepting his worth is that final hurdle. He is worthy, everyone sees it…except him.

[@shennyyys]

I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and you don't know how much your series makes me happy because I don't really get to discuss some of the things I like together (in this case, Marvel heroes and Psychology) on a regular basis so having you guys make this series, along with the villains, makes me really excited and giddy. Thank you so much!! ♥♥

[@matthewmorrisdon6906]

Are you the Harry Quinn type?

[@Hello_Gorgeous]

Same ❤

[@mariposavioleta9007]

I never took any education in this and seen the majority of what they said in the video in my talks with friends over the years of watching Cap. I've always had a strong sense of being able to see these things and approaching it with compassion being able to explain that in discussions. It's amazing how well written and acted it is to show these traits so well. I both sit and enjoy the movie while there and talk about this type of stuff after and explain the psychology behind things to my friends because they always ask why did they do this or that and don't understand it. I have said these things which were mentioned in the video and they're like oh ok I guess I can see what you're saying or they still didn't understand but after the storyline went further they seen and said ok you said that would happen. I kinda think it makes the movies that much more fun to see whether you're right as the series continues.

[@mauritious1]

Yeah sameee!

[@charmedlife1990]

Same here! This show has definitely helped as I love looking at the psychology behind shows and movie characters and my family and friends are just like "be quiet and watch".

[@ThatCyndi]

Everything about Steve’s guardedness and general grief in Avengers 1 is so much more enhanced when you find out that Avengers 1 only takes place 2 WEEKS after he wakes up from the ice. Imagine being a 25 year old veteran with an entire 70-year legacy on your shoulders and you lost everything and everyone you knew overnight (plus his best friend died last week from his POV) …. And then you’re expected to lead a bunch of superpowered people who constantly make fun of you for not getting things immediately against an alien invasion?

[@nickeldan]

I remember hearing something profound about Captain America: It means something that his weapon is a shield.

[@vwardia]

I like that: "you will be respected when you walk the walk."

[@mariposavioleta9007]

With a comment like that I kinda wish there was a love reaction not just a thumbs up. I 100% agree!

[@michaelajames99]

I think that Steve never believed the shield belonged to him. It’s just a way to protect his friends

[@redvinesron]

I agree. It's like it was made for him to use, as the one in care-giving or safe-guarding people. But once his time was done, he wasn't afraid of passing it on. And good for him. 😊

[@AngelaReyeroMartinez]

for me, more than his friends, the people.

[@Grizabeebles]

The sigh and nod he makes before dropping the shield in Civil War tells me that he takes a moment to think about what Tony is saying and agrees. Meanwhile, the hasty way Tony says it is a sign he's improvising. Going after Cap's identity is the last weapon he has at his disposal. It's also a call-back to the exchange in Avengers "everything special about you came out of a bottle". If you watch Tony's reaction shot to seeing how easily Steve gives up his identity - he can't believe it. Tony's attempt to wound Steve emotionally backfires.

[@JeffKelly03]

I think you're right. I think that's why he was able to give it to Sam and when Sam says it feels like it somebody else's, Steve says "It isn't." The shield doesn't belong to one person. It represents an ideal and it represents integrity and it belongs to whoever can best represent it. First it was Steve, and when he says it belongs to Sam, he's saying Sam is the one who will best represent it.

[@melissaharris3389]

@@JeffKelly03you hit on the nail. The shield represents an integrety. That's why Sam feels it's weight so strongly and is conflicted and Bucky is so attached to it in FATWS.

[@evcass69]

Loyalty to principle is more important than loyalty to a group. 💯

[@cosmichal9548]

I was so proud of myself for making it through Infinity War and Endgame without shedding a tear and then the Cap/Peggy scene as the final shot of Endgame destroyed me

[@nathangerowitz2246]

I think the moment that broke Cap’s heart is during his fight with Tony at the end of Civil War. He’s ripped off Tonys helmet and raises his shield to destroy the suits arc reactor. Tony raises his arms to protect his head. In that moment Tony thought Cap was going to kill him.

[@themuzzy5092]

To be fair, a lot of that is just survival instinct. Would you do any differently in the heat of the moment?

[@Gyrfalcon312]

I thought he was going to kill him, too. 😲

[@whtwolf100]

There was no reason to rip of the faceplate. You can see in the pause before he brings it down on the reactor, he WAS going to go for the head.

[@shanerayborn8133]

Kind of scary what happens when cap doesn't hold back. In most of his actions he is holding back quite a bit I believe. Only when he's fighting beings of equal or superior physical ability do we see him using all his ability and in those cases it seems less impressive because he's fighting an equal or a more powerful enemy. But against someone who isn't on his level.....really scary if you think about what a man like cap can do if he wasn't Steve rogers

[@crolex7537]

@@whtwolf100 he ripped off the faceplate so Tony could breathe with the suit off

[@johnnieriot13]

The “no, you move” speech at Peggy Carter’s funeral is originally from the comic event civil war. It’s Cap’s speech to Spider-Man.

[@KS-xk2so]

The quote was actually originally from Mark Twain.

[@johnnieriot13]

@@KS-xk2so well jMS just stole the plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth and you say no you move part the rest is original but that’s not the point.

[@KS-xk2so]

@@johnnieriot13 yeah lol it would be pretty odd if Mark Twain wrote the entire quote word for word.

[@grimlock1471]

@@KS-xk2so Twain's a darn good source from which to crib.

[@KS-xk2so]

@@grimlock1471 Hell yeah. Guys got literally dozens of quotes that are S-class man.

[@richardchisenhall387]

Just a little piece I noticed, it's even more meaningful that cap tells hulk to smash, yes it's a funny line and it shows hulk listening to cap, but it also shows cap respecting hulk as an equal member of the team. Steve could've just let him be and hulk would've done that anyways, but symbolically it shows hulk is a respected member by the defacto leader (both leaders as stark is a big fan of banner as well) and this is one of the moments I believe build up Bruce's self image and eventually helps him integrate into smart hulk

[@TheContrarian09]

Y’all skipped the best scene in endgame of him standing back up despite despite him losing the hammer and his shield becomes shattered. The hammer scene is hype, yes, but the real best scene was after the army arrived.

[@EvonneSol]

Steve is basically the epitome of 'be the best of humanity'.

[@JoshSweetvale]

Just like he's a protector and thus has a shield; He has _the best of humanity_ *biologically.*

[@bobjohnson1633]

He embodies the ideals of the Scottish enlightenment, which is what the US constitution and the country are based on.

[@andrewmendez8322]

I don't think it's be the best of humanity I think it's be the best for humanity.

[@krystalissoojung5114]

just like doctor Erskine said the night before the injection, the serum emphasize something that already there. Since he always a good man, then the serum help him became the great man

[@human3213]

The worst is a better word. He's a hypocrite asshole. Nothing more.

[@_The_Traveler_]

I really appreciate how you handled the nature of Captain "America" as a somewhat politicized figurehead for a nation that doesn't exactly mirror what the hero is meant to be emblematic of. I love Cap, as a little black kid with Asthma, I was among the many that saw Captain America in pamphlets at the doctors office and various other American institutions in the 80s-90s. Cap literally inspired me to defy my diagnosis, the doctors said I would never be able to keep up with the other kids. It ended up being the other way around, and it started with things like finding out that Cap had Asthma too. Of course, he also had a super serum lol, but I understood even as a child that what he represented was the will to try when there _isn't_ some super serum or short cut available. When it gets hard, and the stress is cranked beyond what you've experienced before, who you really are shines through serum or not. And in that way, I made a pact with myself that day at that Pulmonologists office in Illinois, on a damp overcast Thursday. "If he can push and endure, so can I." It's been 32 years and I'm still pushing. If I can push...so can you!

[@vapx0075]

[@KumeOzoro]

The Traveler, you also have become an inspiration.

[@kate2create738]

I recommend you also look at Teddy Roosevelt, he too had asthma as a kid and was very sickly, but he never allowed that to stop him from achieving all he did. Politics aside, that man is inspirational with what he accomplished. Glad to hear Captain America inspired you to defy the odds, sounds like you've managed a healthy perspective.

[@RoseDragoness]

Glad to hear capt bring a shine in your heart and spirit!

[@nateward7120]

That was amazing. Well done. I’ve been reading about stoicism lately, and Cap reminds me of a stoic. Check out Ryan Holiday on KZbin if you haven’t heard of him yet.

[@bluesdjben]

Great video. I love Captain America in the MCU so much. My favorite Captain America moment is in Winter Soldier, in the lull right before they move on Shield Headquarters. Steve is standing on the dam, and Sam comes up to him and says, "Whoever he used to be, the guy he is now, I don't think he's the kind you save, he's the kind you stop...He doesn't know you." And Steve just says, "He will."

[@toastyboi8737]

The part where Steve completely runs down the plan with the team in the first avengers will forever be my favorite captain america moment in the entire mcu A boss is only known well by his men, while a true leader knows his team well.

[@StewdioYT]

The fact that when Cap and Peggy are dancing there's a shot of the door not fully closed, it makes me think that Cap really did just storm into the house, throw on a vinyl and give Peggy that dance he promised her and that makes me very happy.

[@owenmaleski2203]

I remember my whole college was waiting for Endgame and all of us making theories. I thought for sure Cap would die, end the journey of doing nothing but fight wars. And right as he was dying, he'd see Peggy and she'd say, "Come on Steve, it's time for that dance." But this ending was better.

[@1D4ever]

@@owenmaleski2203 Much better it was perfect

[@LizRealGirlBeauty]

I always imagined he showed up at the club for their "date," where she was sitting alone and watching couples dance, and then she sees Steve waking up to her. He asks if she'd like to dance, then he finally gets his date.

[@1D4ever]

@@LizRealGirlBeauty Yes that could have been it exactly

[@eamontdmas]

Can we just take a moment to admire Chris Evans for playing the goodliest of good guys so well. It can't have been easy.

[@stevenscott2136]

From what I've read, he says his actual personality is Johnny Storm in "Fantastic Four". So yeah, that would be very hard to do.

[@kappadarwin9476]

Yeah he came a long way from Not another teen movie.

[@erikwilliams1562]

@@stevenscott2136 oh he at least was an absolute joke IRL. Tells you how damn good he was as Cap

[@45sticky]

I will admit, Chris Evans played the role of Captain America very well. However, in real life, he is the polar opposite. He is extremely liberal and believes on limiting free speech. As well as Anti-second amendment as well as other liberal causes.

[@Kevin-cx7ln]

@@45sticky my guy what about captain america makes you think he's conservative? I mean in the slightest?

[@jackiehynes4030]

"He cuts the arm off, and then you see the arm, like, dump out of the gun! It's so gross...it's great!!!" -Alan Seawright 🤣🤣🤣 I love you guys!

[@KingMalaxis]

The fact that the Punisher and Venom admire Captain America really displays how amazing of a hero he is.

[@caldeandrade69]

Cap is the reason why Punisher joined the Marines. There is even a comic where Frank is being sacked by Captain America when Frank was training to become a Marine. Frank didn't care if he was being sacked because of how much respect he has for Cap.

[@clash5j]

@@caldeandrade69 In the comic book Civil War, The Punisher is on Cap's side. However, when The Punisher murders some people, Cap beats the hell out of him and the Punisher will not fight back. Cap says: "Fight, you coward!" and The Punisher answers: "Not against you"

[@Ccm2019]

Well Frank idol is Capt..

[@WittyUsernamehere]

Serious question. Where do we see that Venom admires Captain America? Is it in the comics or a movie or elsewhere? I do read comic books but I don't remember anything about that. Thank you.

[@meligoth]

Even before the insane marketing of the Punisher that started in the 90s, he wanted no one to follow him. Even Garth Ennis covered that after the Welcome Back Frank story. Unfortunately the Punisher skull is everywhere that one would think it should be the Captain America shield for those who feel patriotic, but no. That would require integrity.

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

Cap could lift the hammer, but Thor's ego mattered more to him than proving something..Cap respects Thor and that's why he chose to act as if he couldn't do it.

[@briandaaranda9735]

I think that Steve started lifting the hammer and then his own "no, wait, how is this possible? I'm just a kid from Brooklyn" attitude came in. He has insecurities, just like the rest of us, and in here he was finding out things that were not necessarily good about his previous work/employers, like Jonathan and Adam said.

[@williamj.dovejr.8613]

@@briandaaranda9735 Good points.

[@VerryJerry90]

I think He didnt just respect Thor but he also cared for him like a friend and thats why he could lift it

[@MiguelCruz-zj9rh]

Actually I read somewhere that at that moment he’s keeping the secret of Bucky killing Tony’s parents. And that small dark thing is what kept him from lifting it. I don’t remember where I read it. That’s why he was almost able to lift it.

[@VerryJerry90]

@@MiguelCruz-zj9rh but he didn’t know that for sure until civil war. When he first heard that info from Zola he didn’t know the winter soldier was Bucky and neither was he sure it was the winter soldier who orchestrated starks assassinations. Ther were a lot of variables at play. It was only when he saw the video it all confirmed him for sure but by then in technicality that was information he knew in advance, because of he heard from Zola. It’s a tight situation and unfortunately a catch 22

[@germanbigfoot2003]

Something I saw on my third time watching civil war I noticed that Tony puts his hands up to protect his face when cap is destroying the arc reactor. I feel like this is another reason he dropped the shield because his friend was afraid of him for the first time in their entire friendship Tony was scared of Steve and that made cap realize “this shield is a weapon and my friend doesn’t trust me to have it”

[@TheNeoVid]

I especially like takes on Captain America that remember what his formative years were like. "Were you this angrily opinionated before you were Captain America?" "In Brooklyn during the Depression? Yes."

[@nowheredottir2891]

Something I absolutely love about this youtube channel is how emotionally free the hosts are. The way that they speak about being moved and being human is so rare to see imo, like it's the polar opposite of toxic masculinity and I love it so so much

[@ethosterros9430]

He didnt get the girl tho so

[@nopsinops7547]

It may seem natural for me to say this as a German, but the fact that the MCU Cap didn't had any hate for The German Soldiers themself but rather the actual Human Monsters from Hydra actual meant much to me. We were the main cause of World War 2, but seing our ordinary people who litterally lived under a Dictator in that time portrayed as pure evil Monsters always broke my heart. I love Cap despite being from another Country because he litterally is the most Pure hero out the together with Spidey and Flash

[@KingMuncheez]

Amen brother.

[@radicalgremlin6440]

Amen, Cap does not want to hurt anyone. He just wants to help everyone no matter who they are. Why he is my favorite hero. As he symbolizes everything that is good.

[@stephan2807]

Amen that's why spider man, cap and the flash are my favorites. They want to help everyone even if they're bad. Heck that was the plot of no way home which is why it's my favorite spider man movie not cause of the cameos and all of that but because something all spiderman films miss is him helping villains too they hint at it but not actually do much and it causes loss but he still helps them even after. Homecoming did that too with vulture, him saving vulture is what I loved so much and why he became my favorite movie spider man and no way home continues that to a lot more. Same with the flash and captain america

[@amandasnider2644]

I really like the film War Horse because it shows there's people on both sides

[@justmayhem771]

im from Denmark and i feel you, a lot of people assume we still hate germany for what happened during the war, but most people i know have a lot of sympathy for what the germans went through as well and most movies surrounding the subject nowadays portray how horrible it was for all parts involved. It`s refreshing to see american television finally share the same take

[@vicmartinoofficial331]

As a long time fan of Captain America really enjoyed watching this "Cinema Therapy" discussion of one of my favorite of all masked avenger's Captain America.

[@cristagalli96]

I didn't leave Endgame thinking Steve didn't earn his happy ending with Peggy, but I thought that the character had moved beyond that. He even met Peggy when she was already happily married with children and then he decided to go back and nullify all of that. He had moved past wanting a cookie cutter happy ending with the girl, he fought so hard to get Bucky back and then he just...left. I really don't think Steve would actually do that. His character was on a path and the writers/directors/whoever decided to do a sharp left on us at the last second. And I'm still unhappy with it.

[@rufusgoldstein2655]

Peggy was single. She married later in life

[@mannholloway]

"Cap could have lifted Mjolnir at the party but he didn't want to steal......... Thor's thunder"🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@dickmarx1298]

Haha. Well played sir

[@sayotlittler]

Part of the "language" bit is that officers are held to a higher standard, including not gambling, swearing, et cetra. I mean, he's an Irish-American that grew up in 1930s Brooklyn, of course he knew how to swear like a dirty sailor. The thing is, once he became an officer and the "face of America," he couldn't be himself 100%. So the whole "language" bit is the habit of being an officer in charge of a rather unruly bunch.

[@melodie-allynbenezra8956]

Good call.

[@CatGold5047]

It's possible. I always thought of it as a stick in the mud goody two shoes thing. My mom knows so many swear words it's silly, she knows their definitions and has heard how they are used, but I have never heard her use them once. In her mind, it's not right, so she's never used those words (and actually cried when I used one around her). I always thought of it as the same thing (probably because I have a mom like that lol). And she's never had a job where it would be inappropriate more than normal - she held herself to that standard, no one else did.

[@sayotlittler]

@@CatGold5047 Honestly, it's probably a combination. He swore like crazy, but once he was in a position where that was not acceptable, he held himself and others to a higher standard.

[@TimRHillard]

People have always told me I have allot of integrity. And I am very proud of that. When I was a kid, I had just a few heroes: my dad, grand pa and uncle. Then, captain America. I was fortunate to own dirt bikes. I had made a cap shield with a garbage can lid. I went everywhere in the mountains of Boone NC on my dirt bike, with that shield. Thank you to everyone who made these movies. 100% they got cap right and Chris Evans was stellar.

[@EpicDave]

I love how in Age of Ultron Steve cries out "language"! Finally in End Game "Let's get the son of bitch". That comes right after the "I'm not looking for forgiveness" speech. I love Steve's arc.

[@lenacalussi7202]

Captain was never my favorite, but I've always respected him.

[@yoknom]

Same for me, especially after Winter Soldier.

[@edkwon]

@@yoknom The Winter Soldier was the perfect story how to make an anachronistic character like Steve Rogers relevant in our modern world

[@shinigamiinochi]

big same. He was actually my least favorite going into the first Avenger film, but after Winter Soldier, he grew on me a lot.

[@sadlobster1]

What was it that you didn't like about him

[@hauntedhouse7827]

Who's your favorite?

[@christie8908]

The scene that summed up Cap's entire character is when he stood up against Thanos entire army ALONE in endgame

[@DaDunge]

Stubbornly going forward with no plan, and only does not die because someone else saves his bacon, yeah it kind of does sum up cap.

[@IggsHowlee]

@@DaDunge guess you don't know what "I can do this all day" means or not giving up means and I think you never experienced standing up to something that is worth fighting for even with no plan you do it anyway. Do you even know who Cap is bruh?

[@atiqahdiyana5665]

@@DaDunge he is a a single person, standing alone, facing certain doom and still refuses to surrender and the fact that he is saved is a CREDIT to his character. Not a flaw. Also he has literally made almost every single plan in the movies he’s in?!!?!!

[@DaDunge]

@@atiqahdiyana5665 Are you kidding me? All he ever does is react Tony has plans and sure they sometimes backfire but he atleast has ideas.

[@Pope_of_the_Church_of_Tea]

@@DaDunge Clearly the MCU movies you saw came from a universe parallel to the one the rest of us occupy...

[@jasonholman1011]

I think Steve, Captain, Roger’s, America, proves the line “I don’t want to kill anyone” every time he fights someone. With his super strength he could not only cripple them, but kill them and yet he only uses the force necessary.

[@sergioaccioly5219]

About John McClane (Die Hard), there's a caveat from the first movie. He might not lose sleep killing the bad guys, but wouldn't kill them needlesly. That's this moment in which one of the crooks is buying time by pretending to surrender, John was trying to arrest him until the bullets started flying again. Then it was businessas usual. But he tried. Also, if you pay attention, in every CA movie, he goes against the wishes of his superiors. In the first it was a short perior (going AWOL to rescue Bucky & co). But the other two were all about him going against the Powers that Be. He is NOT a "follow orders he doesn't agree with" type of man.

[@woodrobin]

Mjolnir is a 100% all-or-nothing thing. It either moves if you're worthy, or might as well be bolted to the fabric of the Universe if you're not. Thor knew in that second that Steve was worthy to wield it, and you could tell Steve decided not to show Thor up. I believe that was confirmed by the directors and writers, too.

[@apuji7555]

yeah, it was confirmed as well

[@Pbness]

I forget which Avengers movie it is, I believe it's Ultron, but someone says something to Cap which is why I believe he couldn't lift the hammer. But someone says that Cap couldn't live without war. I assumed that was why he couldn't lift the hammer completely, he was a good person all around but he needed to be in combat for him to feel like he has a purpose, a use. And after the war against Thanos, after the nap Snap, after 5 years, he's done. He doesn't want to fight anymore, he's tired. He development went from someone who needs some sort of conflict to feel like he has a purpose to a man who just wants a dance, and who knows he doesn't need a war to feel like he has a place in the world. But now that I know it was because he didn't want to show Thor up, I'm kinda disappointed.

[@Erisonii]

It was actually confirmed that his hiding about Bucky's involvement in Tony's parents' death was what stopped him from lifting it. Once that came to light, the burden was gone and he was judged worthy.

[@Erisonii]

@Dawud Suleiman After some digging around because I couldn't remember, I've now realized the directors and the writers from Age of Ultron said conflicting reasons. The directors say it was out of deference to Thor, while the writers say it was because Steve was keeping the secret. I guess it's whichever you prefer until some MCU material decides to make one version or the other canon.

[@fortunatus1]

@@Erisonii Cap was able to wield Mjolnir going way back into The First Avenger before he became a Super Soldier. It was when he jumped onto the grenade to save his squad. Willingness to sacrifice oneself for others is what makes one worthy.

[@epiphany7189]

I love Cap. And Chris Evans brought him to life magnificently. The casting for Marvel is sheer perfection.

[@mayavp]

He really was. I honesly can't imagine any other casting for him at this point.

[@ShadowSonic2]

The hilarious thing is, people thought Evans would be a terrible Captain America when he was first cast.

[@Bamfism]

For ALL of the reasons that you guys laid out and MORE Steve Rogers/Captain America is my FAVORITE MCU character and Captain America: The Winter Soldier is not just hands-down my favorite Marvel movie of ANY era but in my TOP 5 greatest movie of all-time PERIOD. P.S. For your commentary I wish that you guys would've included the scene from Captain America: The First Avenger where pre-Super Soldier Serum Steve Rogers jumped on the grenade. To this day I still get choked up watching that scene because that is the CORE of who Cap is as a human being....

[@oendj]

What i love most about Caps character throughout the MCU is that for as much as he’s portrayed as this “perfect” person, a righteous man whose endeavors usually have success….he’s still human, and things don’t always go so well despite his best efforts. When he thought he lost Bucky in the first film only for him to become the Winter Soldier, unknowingly working for hydra in the 2nd, when he doesnt tell Tony about his parents in Civil War which in turn causes the team to be split instead of united in I.W, even in Endgame with how he tells ppl to try and move on in group therapy vs how how truly feels when he visits Nat. But despite all of that, he still does what he believes is right in the moment, and that’s whats so inspiring about him.

[@autisticfantastic5045]

My take on Cap's shield in Civil War is that dropping the shield is the only thing he can do to show he still cares for Tony. Then, when he takes it up again in Endgame, after Tony says "he made it for you," that is Tony effectively giving Steve the permission he feels he needs to have it again.

[@BraveryBeyond]

This is an interesting take, but I definitely saw the scene in a different light. Tony had told Steve that shield was made by his father in Civil War. This was then recontextualuzed by Tony in Infinity War by saying "but he made it for you!" Tony's a very proud man and I legitimately can't remember him outright saying he's sorry to anyone in the MCU (I'm sure there is, but it's that rare). This is Tony's apology to Steve, to let him know that what was said was in anger and grief. And Steve, ever the nice guy, doesn't chastise Tony for not being upfront, push for more, or demand recompense and greater forgiveness. He just takes the shield, accepting Tony's apology, and gets his friend back. Steve sees through all the pageantry, to the effort Tony is putting into making amends, and accepts it for what it truly means despite all its flaws.

[@lilscenechick1995]

I had similar thoughts. I always interpreted it as Cap showing respect/empathy for Tony by dropping the shield, and acknowledging that he's not entitled to wield it. Why Cap dropped it (his character motivations) can be entirely different than what it's meant to symbolize for the story.

[@rhybre]

I think the 'language' line was really a nod the some of his comic runners with Bucky. Bucky is known to have one of the worst bad mouths in terms of cursing and Cap was always the one to tell him not to curse. The line 'language' does come up many times within those series runners. It also ties in with his 'It slipped out' comment later on in the film sequence.

[@swanpride]

The language line says more about Whedon than about Cap. Cap was a soldier. It is completely unrealistic that he doesn't curse at all, or that he has a particular problem with it. Or, to put it differently, this is something that stereotypical Cap would do, but not something Steve would do. The best handwave to the stupid line is that he repeated something maybe his mum kept saying.

[@l.tc.5032]

@@swanpride not to mention I'm pretty sure he was the one who swore the most in Endgame.

[@grimlock1471]

Yeah, people did curse in the 40s but there was a taboo about doing it outside of certain "acceptable" settings. Which I'm guessing means any sufficiently disreputable group. Think about the sturm and drang from Gone With the Wind's "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."

[@3Rayfire]

@@grimlock1471 Thing is a battlefield is an acceptable setting.

[@dejajade6726]

@@swanprideYeah there was a great disparity between how Whedon thought Steve would act and what type a character he actually was. Steve was a scrappy kid who grew up in Brooklyn during the Great Depression and constantly got into fights, not some butter couldn't melt in his mouth golden farm boy. Steve always had rebel elements from beginning that people just ignore to shove him into the boring all-american boyscout archetype.

[@thepastavatars7939]

" Respect and Understanding go a long way" :- Captain America

[@Rheubie]

I'd point out that he doesn't say "attention all SHIELD agents, this is Captain America." He's appealing to them as himself - not as the larger-than-life symbol he had become.

[@katsasgeorge]

Age Of Ultron has to be the most underrated movie of the Infinity saga. The glimpses into each and every character's psychologies are there and most people didn't catch them. In his witch sequence, Steve is seen dancing with Peggy but once she goes 'we can go home now, imagine it', the room becomes empty with only steve standing in it. Because he literally can't imagine it at that point. Heavy.

[@swanpride]

@kshamwhizzle I disagree...AoU especially got Cap completely wrong. He was a soldier, you can bet that he was swearing in the past and doesn't care a damn about the properity of it. That is not the kind of thing Cap is bothered about as long as nobody gets hurt. But in general, AoU is a really messy movie which was improved in hindsight by Civil War and other later outings taking the "good" aspects of it and building on it. Doesn't change the fact that in the movie itself those pieced didn't quite fit together.

[@MissPopuri]

The only thing about Age of Ultron I remember is the meme age thing occurring on tumblr at the time. Haven’t seen the movies really past The Winter Soldier because they came at such an inconvenient time in my life.

[@lalonly123]

If Ultron wasn't a god-awful villain the movie would've been phenomenal.

[@katsasgeorge]

@@lalonly123 A lot of people didn't get neither the movie nor the villain.

[@cjkalandek996]

@@katsasgeorge a part of me agrees with that statement; another part of me feels that _Age of Ultron_ could've left way more of an impact if they hadn't played things too safe with Ultron and his threat/opposition to our heroes.

[@AlyssaK83]

So with psychology of a hero, we NEED to have a video talking about Bucky Barnes! Please please please?!!!

[@Orifiel666]

That speech that Sharon had was actually Steve's in the Civil War run of Marvel Comics. It was so epic, and only spoken to Peter Parker.

[@Orifiel666]

I loathed that ending. Not gonna lie.

[@SteveSpikes]

After finding the video, "Psychology of a Hero: Captain America," albeit two years later, I wanted more. I absolutely love Steve Rogers/Captain America as a comic book character and in the MCU - especially THE WINTER SOLDIER. You guys nailed when you mentioned the political thrillers of the 1970s. I could watch THE WINTER SOLDIER again and again, as I could watch Alan Pakula's ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN over and over. You have a new subscriber in me.

[@FulcanMal]

If you did Scarlet Witch, I think you'd need to call it "Psychology of a Hero..Villain...um we're not sure."

[@misspriss2482]

A human. All of us cycle between being a villain and a hero depending on the circumstances.

[@hectorsanchez1377]

Psychology of the nose scrunch.

[@chadzahirshah2588]

@@misspriss2482 Villain, in the comics she kills all the mutants and is extremely selfish despite working with the avengers at one point, Wanda is no different in the movies and is going down that path, starting with her enslaving the entire town of West Side for her little fantasies

[@samuellanghus1455]

@@misspriss2482 Under what video are you commenting under? Wanna run that by one more time?

[@reflectcard6258]

she's basically a very stressed out human with creppy super powers. Her intentions are not evil, but she let's herself be blinded enough to manipulate people that was suposed to be saved. She will never be seeing as a hero anymore by that people, and now that she's fully into that dark magic book to bring her family, Dr. Strange is gonna have a bad time

[@bismagill2682]

Fun fact about endgame: When captain America lifts ✨mjolnir✨, the background music is the same as the music in catfa when cap is about to jump over the bridge

[@RudyBleeker]

I thought I recognized that bit of score but I couldn't quite place it. Thanks!

[@karenharbaugh4934]

I just wish my dad (orphaned during the Great Depression, veteran of WWII, Korean War, Vietnam), had lived long enough to see these movies. He would have loved them. I think this character--in the comics especially--represented a lot of young people back in those days, who struggled and persevered.

[@MIKELIN8]

I love Cap because I was the little guy who got picked on. My life didn't become like Steve's because I picked a guy in 2nd grade, same size as me, who was picking on me, and bloodied his nose in a fair fight. Nobody picked on me after that. Cap has a purity in him of that little guy trying to fight off the bullies who becomes a powerful person who's gifts can help to save the world Cap/Nomad/Steve...my favorite Marvel character.

[@pleasehelp2446]

The speech that Sharon gives at Peggy's funeral was actually taken from a captain America comic that takes place in WW2 so its possible that Steve actually gave that speech at some point during the montage from his first mission to his last and Peggy then told it to Sharon because Peggy based the rest of her life around Steve's sacrifice.

[@mariavi33]

That is kind of weird, considering that Peggy was one of the people who enabled hydra for decades.

[@thesaintzor625]

It's from the Civil War comics.

[@lucidvibes8133]

@@mariavi33 not peggy, when the us government decided to take in german scientists like zola and let them corrupt the system

[@mariavi33]

@@lucidvibes8133 Zola was hired into Shield. Peggy was one of the founders of Shield (along with Howard Stark and colonel Phillips) and was Zola’s boss for years. She knew who he was and that he had tortured one of her former coworkers (Bucky). But she was either too incompetent to notice what he was doing (in which case she should never be allowed anywhere near a government agency), or she knew what was going on (and either ignored it or actively enabled it). No matter how you spin it, she did enable hydra for decades.

[@lucidvibes8133]

@@mariavi33 touche